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Nov 2, 2018

Will Jewish Home endorse Ofer Berkovitch?

Reports say J'lem's Jewish Home branch negotiating with mayoral candidate seen by many as left-wing regarding endorsement.
Reports say that Jerusalem's Jewish Home branch is negotiating with
mayoral candidate Ofer Berkovitch to arrange a deal in which the
Religious Zionist faction will endorse the candidate many see as
left-wing.

According to the potential agreement, the Jewish Home Party will receive
the position of deputy mayor. In addition, they demanded that the
Jewish Home be involved and hold a position of influence in all matters
relating to East Jerusalem would probably receive the East Jerusalem
portfolio if Berkovitch is elected.

A source in the Jewish Home involved in the talks told Israel Hayom that
"Bennett is returning from the US tonight and we are apparently
preparing for a signature that will take place on Sunday. We will take a
decisive position on the entire issue of East Jerusalem. We see this as
the realization of sovereignty. "

According to the source, "Leon invested NIS 7 million in the campaign
and brought 5,000 votes, while the rest of the haredim brought him in.
Religious Zionism is 22% of the Jewish population in the capital, about
40,000 votes.

The source added that the rivalry between Bennett and Lieberman has an effect: "It's no secret that Lieberman is a red flag".

Moshe Leon has been heavily supported by Defense Minister Avigdor
Liberman, who has openly feuded with Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett.

Moshe Leon will face off with Ofer Berkovitch in two weeks after neither
one mustered the 40% support in Tuesday's elections that is required to
win outright.

When asked by reporters ahead of his flight to Bulgaria on Thursday,
Netanyahu refused to divulge his preference, only saying that "there is
already a decision".

"I will support someone who will an excellent prime minister, or rather
an excellent mayor of Jerusalem," said Netanyahu. "It is a very
important, complex city, I know there are bigger challenges than these. I
will make sure to support those who get things done."